Cheap Flights to Portland from HK$1,217

If you're poorly prepared, travelling can be tough. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a worry-free start to your time in Portland. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a stress-free flight experience is to pack ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and important medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling book. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, be sure to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by security. Sharp objects, like your trusty pocket knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, chemicals agents and fireworks, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart choice, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

The trick is to be prepared before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Portland before you know it. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a terrific start:

• Security personnel first need to see that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Empty your pockets and remove anything that is likely to beep. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Big boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Knives and other sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked luggage.